Release Date: June 20, 2025
Label: Independent
So, what is Ketamine? Ketamine is a medication that comes from a
chemical called cyclohexanone. It's mainly used as an anesthetic to make people
unconscious during surgeries, but it also has effects that can help with
depression and pain relief. Ketamine can create feelings of hallucination,
which means it can alter a person's perception of reality. There are two forms
of Ketamine, known as S-ketamine and R-ketamine, and both can help treat
depression in ways that go beyond just blocking a specific receptor in the
brain. Essentially, it’s a versatile drug that can help with different medical
issues, including anesthesia and mood disorders.
Armed with this knowledge, listening to Music for Ketamine
should be enjoyable and self-healing, making it a compelling choice for those
seeking therapeutic music.
“When Silence Learns to Speak” starts the journey and is the
longest track, at 6:12. The piano begins methodically and softly before adding
other elements that make up the track. The track sets up the potential listener
with a soft bed of sound to fall into a completely relaxed state of
consciousness.
“Mycelium Highway” is an interesting track title. Knowing what
mycelium is will help. Mycelium is a root-like structure of a fungus consisting
of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. It is the root system of the fungi.
Its standard form is branched, slender, entangled, anastomosing, hyaline
threads.
The track begins with chanting and a slow tempo that builds into
a cool groove. Some constant percussion and synth sounds change the entire
fabric of the track. It is an ambient meditative music that reminded me of
artists like Tangerine Dream or Vangelis. Those comparisons should create
enough curiosity to get you to listen.
“Everything and Nothing” immediately creates some
thoughts—opposites in meaning, yet living in the same universe. Some people have
everything and then lose everything; some start with nothing and then have
everything. It depends on your own beliefs about what is essential in life. The
track has a constant drone-like sound, however pleasant, to focus on, and then
birds chirping are added. That combination is hypnotic; if that is the goal, it
was accomplished. Swirling sounds like wind and water moving through the synths
give it a spacey feel.
“Figure Painting” is finger painting taken to another level?
Possibly, I suppose. Words can have dual meanings, and it just hit me as a take
on finger painting. The piano sounds serious and focused, like an artist
creating a painting on a blank canvas. The bass part is played with one hand as
the other picks out the delicate patterns (figures) and rhythms (painting) that
unite the song. You visualize this in the composition as the piano keys or the
imaginary paintbrush create all the music.
“Sylver’s Theme” begins with a guitar and flute sound,
completely departing from the previous tracks. Its beauty and ambiance
immediately strike you. As one of the shorter tracks, it must make that kind of
impact and hold you until it closes out. Then it does with the birds chirping,
a nice touch.
“Carry Wood, Chop Water” segues from the previous track with the
birds chirping. This eclectic music continues with the sound of a hand drum and
bell tinkling. The inference of the track title is that simplicity and movement
equal spirituality and connection. Piano shifts in and out and resonates with
the other elements as it builds into a fuller sound. As it nears the end, the
percussion strengthens, fades, the piano takes over, and the curtain closes.
Ironically, “The Longest Night” is one of the shorter tracks.
The sounds differ significantly from what you heard previously, keeping you
focused and expecting change. The synths weave in and out, echoing emotion and
thoughts. Even though it is night, it is like watching a billowing cloud move
across a clear blue sky, then suddenly ending. There is light in the darkness;
you need to find it.
“FireCat” reaches back to the more synth-driven spacey sounds.
The sounds created are like hundreds of crickets together, as the layers of
synths provide the vehicle for them to carry their sounds further. Another
track with over six minutes of music opens the door to many things. Then you
hear frogs. The sounds of nature make that organic connection for you, keeping it
real. A clock ticking sound brings us to the end.
“Silver Spirit Dancers” begins with a tribal rhythm on
percussion and the flute. It calls out to you in a mesmerizing way. The spirit
of the music brings out the dancers as they elegantly go in circles around the
ceremonial fire. This is another shorter but impactful track.
“The Foggiest Idea” is the longest track at 6:30, giving ample
space and time for layers of sounds to unfold. As the synth builds, so does the
tempo, and there is the sound of a howling wolf. That is what I envisioned and
was my first thought when I heard it. Maybe that was my own foggiest idea. The
synths create a whooshing, calming sound. Many different sounds and textures
populate this track. A significant change happens nearing the end as the
electronic synth sounds start with chanting and percussion finish it.
I never expected a track named “Finger Painting.” I did not look at the
track titles before listening, so it was a pleasant surprise as a follow-up to
“Figure Painting.” Figuratively speaking, David’s finger painting is done using
the keys he uses for all the sounds. It is 3:26 of perfect piano beauty.
“TheLongTale” is spelled that way for a purpose. To simplify,
three shorter words are combined; the combination immediately becomes longer,
merged into one. He tells the tale at a lower and softer tempo, giving the
listener space for thought and reflection. The gentleness and eloquence of the
keys bring you peace and enlightenment.
“Song for Living” closes the book on this story within the
thirteen tracks. It begins with the chirping birds, a sound I know and love
once Spring arrives after a long, cold winter. That makes the connection
between going out of hibernation and going into a full wake-up mode (winter to
spring).
Experiencing all the seasons brings more appreciation for the
gifts of Mother Nature. David’s piano strokes are measured and beautifully
placed. This part of the keyboard reminds you of its versatility as an
instrument within an instrument. It sounds like a symphony for my ears, and
tracks like this bring that to mind regardless of the tempo. It is a nice way
to end this recording. And it ends appropriately with the birds singing their
song.
Music for Ketamine takes the beauty of the keyboards and integrates it into a healing session of science and helpful chemicals, the suggested path, a process that many people need. That combination of tools is very effective. This is a soundtrack to that process.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
June 23, 2025
Tracks:
01. When Silence Learns to Speak (6:12)
02. Mycelium Highway (5:30)
03. Everything and Nothing (6:10)
04. Figure Painting (4:56)
05. Sylver’s Theme (2:25)
06. Carry Wood, Chop Water (5:41)
07. The Longest Night (2:49)
08. FireCat (6:10)
09. Silver Spirit Dancers (2:20)
10. The Foggiest Idea (6:30)
11. Finger Painting (3:26)
12. TheLongTale (6:15)
13. Song for Living (6:09)
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